Training device and method for training a user to improve swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment

ABSTRACT

Methods and training devices for training a user to improve the swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment are disclosed. A training device is provided, which includes a tensionable member secured to a piece of sporting equipment or similar elongate member, and to a fixed object remote therefrom. A user holding the member can move a selected distance from the fixed object, thereby extending the tensionable member such that a tension is provided, then orient the sporting equipment or elongate member in a position that enables executing a swing in the direction of the tension. The user can then attempt to execute the swing, imparting a velocity to the piece of sporting equipment or other elongate member. Whether the velocity imparted by the user exceeds or fails to exceed that provided by the tension, immediate feedback can be obtained through the effect of the tensionable member on the swing.

FIELD

The present invention relates, generally, to training devices and methods usable to improve the velocity of a swing or stroke executed using a piece of sporting equipment or other athletic implement, such as a baseball or softball bat.

BACKGROUND

As professional and recreational athletes develop their skills, it is common for an athlete to reach a plateau, where further improvement will require a substantial change in technique or a significant improvement in one or more characteristics of performance. This is especially apparent when considering improvement of batting skills among baseball and softball players. Initially, most players focus on improving the accuracy and form of their swing; however, after attaining a sufficient degree of accuracy, many players and coaches note that both professional and recreational athletes are often restricted by the limited velocity with which they are able to swing a bat, rather than by technique alone. An increased swing velocity can significantly improve the power provided by a player's swing and the resulting distance imparted to a struck ball, and can also provide the player with increased success when attempting to hit fastballs and other rapid pitches. Additionally, while the advantages of increased swing velocity are especially apparent when considering the sports of baseball or softball, beneficial performance results can also be obtained through improved velocity when executing a stroke with any athletic implement, including hockey or lacrosse sticks, tennis, squash, or racquetball rackets, golf clubs, and other types of sporting equipment.

Existing training devices and methods by which the velocity of a swing can be improved are generally limited to simple and complex apparatuses used to improve strength, form, and familiarity of use of appropriate muscular groups through resistance training. While the development of muscular groups associated with the stroke of an athletic implement can provide beneficial results, a need exists for training devices and methods that exceed the limitations of strength and resistance training by enabling an athlete to directly and repeatedly practice the act of swinging with improved velocity, while providing immediate and tangible feedback regarding whether the velocity of a swing is lacking.

A need also exists for training devices and methods for improving a user's swing speed with a piece of sporting equipment that are simple in design, and usable to provide adjustable levels of difficulty to multiple users simultaneously, within areas where space may be limited.

The present invention addresses these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the embodiments of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a training device usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of the training device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of a training device usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of the training device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a training device usable within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts the training device of FIG. 5 engaged with a piece of sporting equipment.

The depicted embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the listed Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments depicted or described, and that the invention can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to training apparatuses and methods usable to improve the swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment, such as a baseball or softball bat. A tensionable member, such as an extendable rope, cord, cable, hose, tube, or similar object, which can be formed from rubber, nylon, or another generally flexible, elastic material, is secured to the piece of sporting equipment, or a similar elongate member, at one end, and to a fixed object, such as a post, stake, fence, batting cage, or similar stationary object at the other end. A user is then able to grip the piece of sporting equipment, move a selected distance from the fixed object to extend the tensionable member such that a tension corresponding to the selected distance is provided, and orient the piece of sporting equipment in a position that enables executing a swing in the direction of the tension, such as by facing the fixed object. The user then executes the swing, attempting to impart a velocity to the piece of sporting equipment greater than the velocity provided by the tension from the tensionable member. If the user swings with sufficient velocity, the swing will remain unaffected by the tension from the tensionable member; however, if the user fails to provide sufficient velocity, the swing will be affected by the tension from the tensionable member, thereby providing the user with an immediate, tangible indication of insufficient swing velocity.

To decrease or increase the tension provided by the tensionable member, the user can move closer or farther from the fixed object. Alternatively, in selected embodiments of the invention, the tensionable member can be removable and interchangeable, enabling multiple tensionable members that provide differing tension to be selectively utilized depending on the desired tension. Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention, the piece of sporting equipment, the fixed object, or combinations thereof can be provided with multiple usable attachment points, such that securing of the tensionable member to selected attachment points can affect the tension provided by the member and/or the direction of the tension. For example, the tensionable member can be secured to an athletic implement or similar elongate member at the approximate midpoint of the implement, between the midpoint and the handle of the implement, or between the midpoint and the distal end of the implement.

While embodiments of the present invention can utilize any elongate or otherwise movable member intended to represent a piece of sporting equipment, alternate embodiments of the present invention can incorporate use of actual baseball or softball bats, or other athletic implements, having standard dimensions, parts, and/or materials, provided with suitable parts for attachment to adjacent components. Use of standard sporting equipment, such as a regulation wood or aluminum baseball bat, familiarizes a user with the weight, size, shape, and feel of the equipment during the training process. Additionally, while existing training devices focus on resistance training and development of muscular groups through movement of a member in a direction opposite that of a tension force, embodiments of the present invention instead utilize tension provided by the tensionable member as an adjustable indicator of swing velocity, while training a user to repeatedly swing with improved swing speed.

In an embodiment of the invention, a training device can be provided with a configuration that enables multiple users to improve the velocity of the stroke of an athletic implement simultaneously, such as through attachment of multiple tensionable members to a single fixed object. In further embodiments of the invention, the fixed object can be provided with a reduced height, adapted to permit users facing the fixed object to move an athletic implement over the top of the fixed object, such as when available space for use of the training device is limited, or when a short distance between the fixed object and athletic implement is desired.

In selected embodiments of the invention, a visual indicator, such as one or more lights, can be provided proximate to the fixed object, such that differing colors or patterns of lights are usable as indications regarding when to execute a swing of a bat or similar piece of sporting equipment. For example, a light having a first color or similar visual indicator, can be used to simulate a fast ball, while a light having a second color or another type of visual indicator can be used to simulate a curve ball. A user would then attempt to execute a swing with sufficient velocity to overcome that provided by the tensionable member responsive to the indication of a fast ball, while refraining from swinging when a curve ball is indicated. In this manner, a user can train not only the velocity of his or her swing, but also reflexes, and both physical and mental reactions to a stimulus. Further, a user can also attempt to modify the specific speed and/or form of a swing responsive to the type of pitch indicated by the visual indicator.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a training device is shown, which includes a baseball bat (10). It should be noted that while FIG. 1 depicts an aluminum baseball bat (10), having dimensions and materials standard to university-level or high school baseball, embodiments of the present invention are usable with any type of baseball or softball bat, having any dimensions or materials, as well as any other type of sporting equipment, including without limitation hockey or lacrosse sticks, tennis, squash, or racquetball rackets, golf clubs, and similar athletic implements. Alternatively, an elongate member representative of a piece of sporting equipment can be used. Usable athletic implements can include, without limitation, parts formed from wood, graphite, aluminum, other metals, fiberglass, nylon, rubber, leather, other similar materials, or combinations thereof.

The baseball bat (10) is shown having a first end (12), which includes a handle, and a second end (16), typically used to impact a baseball. A midpoint (14) is defined at the approximate center between the first end (12) and the second end (16). The depicted baseball bat (10) has been provided with a fastener (18), disposed between the midpoint (14) and second end (16) of the baseball bat for receiving a tensionable member, as described previously. While FIG. 1 depicts the fastener (18) as a through bolt protruding into the body of the baseball bat (10), having an eye for engagement with the tensionable member, other types of fasteners and methods of attachment, as known in the art, are also usable. Additionally, while FIG. 1 depicts the fastener (18) disposed between the midpoint (14) and second end (16) of the baseball bat (10), it should be understood that suitable attachment points and corresponding fasteners can be provided along any portion of the baseball bat (10), and in an embodiment of the invention, multiple attachment points can be provided to enable selective attachment of a tensionable member to affect the tension and direction thereof applied to the baseball bat (10).

FIG. 1 depicts the tensionable member as a segment of rubber tubing (20); however, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention can include use of any type of extendable member able to provide tension to the baseball bat (10) or other elongate member or piece of sporting equipment. The rubber tubing (20) or other tensionable member can have any length or thickness, depending on the desired tension to be applied to the baseball bat (10), and the desired distance between a user and any fixed object to which the distal end of the rubber tubing (20) or other tensionable member is secured during operation of the training device. A first end of the rubber tubing (20) is shown tied to the fastener (18), however in various embodiments of the invention, any manner of hook, clip, clasp, clamp or other engagement member can be used to secure the rubber tubing (20) to the fastener. A hook (22), clip, or similar type of fastener is shown secured to the distal end of the rubber tubing (20), opposite the baseball bat (10). The hook (22) is usable to engage a fixed object, such as a post, a fence, a batting cage, a stake, or any other object having a generally stationary portion able to be engaged by the hook (22). In various embodiments of the invention, the rubber tubing (20) can simply be tied or otherwise secured to a fixed object without use of any type of hook, clip, or fastener. In an embodiment of the invention, multiple interchangeable tensionable members having differing dimensions and/or materials can be provided, each adapted to impart a differing tension to the baseball bat (10).

In selected embodiments of the invention, multiple training devices identical or similar to that depicted in FIG. 1 can be provided, for engagement with a single fixed object. In this manner, multiple individuals can conduct training exercises to improve the velocity of their swing while requiring a minimum of space and equipment. In further embodiments of the invention, a fixed object having a limited height can be provided, such as a stake or post having a height lower than that at which swing of a piece of sporting equipment would typically pass during use, further facilitating simultaneous training by multiple individuals and/or enabling one or more individuals to conduct training exercises immediately adjacent to the fixed object while executing a swing over the fixed object.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross sectional view of the training device of FIG. 1 is shown, depicting the engagement of the fastener (18) within the baseball bat (10). While various means of engagement between the tensionable member and the baseball bat (10) can be used, the depicted embodiment includes a bore (24) extending through the body of the baseball bat (10). A female screw (26) having interior threads is provided into a first end of the bore (24), while a male screw (28) having exterior threads is provided into the second end of the bore (24) and threadably engaged with the female screw (26). An eye (30) or similar opening of the male screw (28) is then usable to engage the tensionable member, as described previously. Any number or type of nuts, washers, or other spacing and/or securing members, as known in the art, can be disposed between the male screw (28) and/or female screw (26) and the baseball bat (10). It should be understood that while the depicted embodiment includes use of complementary female and male screws (26, 28), other engagements known in the art are also usable, such as provision of a threaded bore within the baseball bat (10), into which the male screw (28) can be provided directly, or use of any manner of rivets, nails, screws, bolts, adhesives, or similar fasteners.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an alternate embodiment of a training device is depicted. Specifically, a baseball bat (10) is shown secured to a segment of rubber tubing (20), through use of an alternate fastener (32), which includes a curved metal channel defining an eye or similar opening, secured to the body of the baseball bat (10) using two rivets (34), screws, bolts, pins, or similar securing members that engage complementary bores within the baseball bat (10). The rubber tubing (20) can be tied, looped, fastened, or otherwise engaged within the eye of the fastener (32). FIG. 3 depicts the rubber tubing (20) looped through the fastener (32), then secured using two clips (36).

FIG. 4 depicts a cross sectional view of the training device of FIG. 3, depicting the engagement of the alternate fastener (32) with the baseball bat (10). Two bores (24) through the body of the baseball bat (10) are shown, which each receive a rivet (34). The alternate fastener (32) can include complementary bores, slots, or other orifices sized to receive the rivets (34), such that the fastener (32) is secured to the body of the baseball bat (10) through the association between the rivets (34) and the baseball bat (10). In an embodiment of the invention, each rivet (34) or similar engagement member can include a head having a width greater than that of a body, such that the head contacts the fastener (32), while the body penetrates into the bore (24) within the baseball bat (10). Additionally, the rivets (34) or similar engagement members can protrude wholly through the body of the baseball bat (10) for receipt of a fastener at the distal end to further secure the fastener (32) to the baseball bat (10), or alternatively, the rivets (34) can extend partially through the body of the baseball bat (10).

FIG. 5 depicts another embodiment of a training device which is shown engaged with a baseball bat (10) in a manner that does not require providing the baseball bat (10) with bores, fasteners, or other permanent modifications. The depicted training device is thereby useable and interchangeable with any number of baseball bats and/or other items of sporting equipment or similar elongate members. The training device is shown having a cuff (40) sized to be placed about the outer circumference of the baseball bat (10). While the cuff (40) can be formed from any material, in an embodiment of the invention, the cuff (40) can be at least partially formed from deformable and/or elastic materials, such as rubber, neoprene, nylon, other polymers, various textiles, or combinations thereof. Further, in various embodiments of the invention, the cuff (40) can be adjustable, such as through use of one or more straps or fasteners. For example, the cuff (40) can include a hook-and-loop fastening medium, such as Velcro™ at each end, various snaps, buttons, or another manner of fasteners, such that the cuff (40) can be wrapped about a selected point along the baseball bat (10). Alternatively, the cuff (40) could be formed from a generally elastic material able to be stretched and placed over an end of the baseball bat (10), then axially moved to a desired location.

FIG. 5 depicts the cuff (40) including an inner layer (42) adapted to prevent unintended slipping or other axial and/or rotational movement of the cuff (40) along the surface of the baseball bat (10). The inner layer (42) can include textured rubber or another material able to provide friction between the cuff (40) and the baseball bat (10) to prevent movement of the cuff (40). The cuff (40) is also shown having an outer layer (44), which is shown having a first portion of a hook-and-loop fastening medium (i.e. Velcro™) disposed thereon.

The rubber tubing (20) is also shown secured to the cuff (40). Specifically, an end of the rubber tubing (20) is shown including two straps (46), each of which are provided with a second portion of a hook-and-loop fastening medium (i.e. Velcro™) for engagement with the outer layer (44) of the cuff (40). The straps (46) are shown having a length sufficient to substantially encircle the circumference of the baseball bat (10), which provides the engagement between the rubber tubing (20) and the baseball bat (10) with a large quantity of surface area to ensure that the engagement remains secure during use. Use of two straps (46) enables a first of the straps to encircle the cuff (40) in a first direction, while a second of the straps encircles the cuff (40) in a second direction opposite the first, such that any rotational movement of the rubber tubing (20) relative to the cuff (40) or baseball bat (10) is minimized.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the cuff (40) and rubber tubing (20) are shown disengaged from the baseball bat of FIG. 5, such that the two straps (46) disposed at an end of the rubber tubing (20) opposite the hook (22) are shown, having a portion of a hook-and-loop fastening medium (i.e. Velcro™) disposed thereon. The cuff (40) is shown having a first end (48) and a second end (50), each having a hook-and-loop fastening medium (i.e. Velcro™) disposed thereon; however, it should be understood that other fasteners, adhesives, and/or other methods of engagement between the cuff (40) and a baseball bat or other object are also useable.

Independent of the manner in which the rubber tubing (20) or similar tensionable member is secured to the baseball bat (10), other piece of sporting equipment, or similar elongate member during use, a user can secure the opposite end of the rubber tubing (20) to a fixed object, grip the handle of the baseball bat (10), and move a selected distance from the fixed object, thereby causing the rubber tubing (20) to provide a tension to the baseball bat (10). The user can then face the fixed object and attempt to swing the baseball bat (10) with a velocity that exceeds the velocity imparted by the tension from the rubber tubing (20). The action of swinging the baseball bat (10) can be rapidly and efficiently repeated, enabling a user to practice the act of swinging the baseball bat (10) with improved velocity, while receiving tangible feedback through the tension provided by the rubber tubing (20), should the velocity of the swing fail to exceed that provided by the tension of the rubber tubing (20). To adjust the tension, thereby adjusting the difficulty of swinging with velocity in excess of that provided by the rubber tubing (20), the user can simply move toward or away from the fixed object to cause retraction or extension of the rubber tubing (20). Alternatively, the rubber tubing (20) can be interchangeably secured to the baseball bat (10), to permit removal and replacement with an additional tensionable member that provides a differing tension.

Embodiments of the present invention thereby provide methods and training devices usable to train a user to improve a swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment through the direct and repeatable activity of attempting to execute a swing with velocity in excess of tension applied to the piece of sporting equipment, while receiving immediate and tangible feedback indicating whether the swing was provided with sufficient velocity, in sharp contrast to existing devices and methods focused on resistance training and development of muscular strength.

While the present invention has been described with emphasis on certain embodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention can be practiced other than as specifically described herein. 

1. A method for training a user to improve a swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment, the method comprising the steps of: providing a training device comprising: an elongate member having an attachment point; and a tensionable member secured to the attachment point and to a fixed object remote from the elongate member; moving the elongate member to a selected distance from the fixed object, thereby extending the tensionable member, wherein the tensionable member provides a tension to the elongate member corresponding to the selected distance, and wherein the tension from the tensionable member provides a first velocity to the elongate member; orienting the elongate member in a position that enables executing a swing of the elongate member in the direction of the tension provided by the tensionable member; and executing the swing of the elongate member by imparting a second velocity to the elongate member in the direction of the tension provided by the tensionable member.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the second velocity exceeds the first velocity, and wherein the swing is thereby unaffected by the tension provided by the tensionable member, thereby providing an indication that the velocity of the swing has overcome the tension corresponding to the selected distance from the fixed object.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first velocity exceeds the second velocity, and wherein the swing is thereby affected by the tension provided by the tensionable member, thereby providing an indication that the velocity of the swing has not overcome the tension corresponding to the selected distance from the fixed object.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a first end having a handle and a second end opposite the first end, thereby defining a midpoint between the first end and the second end, the method further comprising the step of securing the tensionable member to the elongate member at a selected point between the midpoint and the second end.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a first end having a handle and a second end opposite the first end, thereby defining a midpoint between the first end and the second end, the method further comprising the step of securing the tensionable member to the elongate member at a selected point between the midpoint and the first end.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongate member comprises a first end having a handle and a second end opposite the first end, thereby defining a midpoint between the first end and the second end, the method further comprising the step of securing the tensionable member to the elongate member at the midpoint.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the fixed object comprises a reduced height, and wherein the step of executing the swing of the elongate member comprises moving the elongate member over a top of the fixed object.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing at least one additional training device secured to the fixed object, wherein each training device is usable simultaneously.
 9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of interchanging the tensionable member of the training device with a replacement tensionable member, wherein the replacement tensionable member provides a differing tension.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the elongate member, the fixed object, or combinations thereof comprise a plurality of attachment points, the method comprising the step of selectively securing the tensionable member to a selected attachment point to affect the tension provided by the tensionable member, the direction of the tension, or combinations thereof.
 11. A training device for training a user to improve swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment, the training device comprising: a piece of sporting equipment having a first end comprising a handle, a second end opposite the first end, and a midpoint; a fastener fixedly secured to the piece of sporting equipment between the midpoint and the second end; and a tensionable member secured to and extending between the fastener and a fixed object, wherein the tensionable member provides a tension to the piece of sporting equipment when extended, wherein the tensionable member is removable and interchangeable to provide a selected tension, and wherein the fixed object comprises dimensions adapted to enable a stroke of the piece of sporting equipment to be executed in the direction of the tension provided by the tensionable member.
 12. The training device of claim 11, wherein the piece of sporting equipment is at least partially formed from aluminum, wood, graphite, fiberglass, rubber, nylon, leather, or combinations thereof.
 13. The training device of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a threaded end for engagement within a bore of the piece of sporting equipment and an eye protruding from the piece of sporting equipment for engagement with the tensionable member.
 14. The training device of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises a cuff engaged around an outer circumference of the piece of sporting equipment, wherein the cuff comprises a first portion of a fastener disposed thereon, and wherein an end of the tensionable member comprises a second portion of the fastener adapted to secure to the first portion of the fastener disposed thereon.
 15. The training device of claim 11, wherein the fastener comprises wood, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, rubber, or combinations thereof.
 16. The training device of claim 11, wherein the fixed object comprises a batting cage, a fence, a post, or a stake.
 17. The training device of claim 11, wherein the dimensions of the fixed object enable the stroke of the piece of sporting equipment to pass over a top of the fixed object.
 18. A training system for training one or more users to improve swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment, the training system comprising: a fixed object; and a plurality of training devices, wherein each training device comprises: an elongate member having a fastener secured thereto; and a tensionable member secured to the fastener of the elongate member and to the fixed object, wherein the tensionable member provides a tension to the elongate member in a direction toward the fixed object; wherein the fixed object comprises dimensions adapted to simultaneously enable a stroke of each elongate member to be executed in the direction of the tension provided by each tensionable member.
 19. The training system of claim 18, wherein the dimensions of the fixed object enable the stroke of each elongate member to pass over a top of the fixed object.
 20. The training system of claim 18, wherein the fixed object comprises a batting cage, a fence, a post, or a stake.
 21. The training system of claim 18, further comprising a visual indicator proximate to the fixed object for producing a visual signal corresponding to a type of simulated event, whereby a user can execute a stroke of the elongate member or refrain from executing the stroke responsive to the visual signal.
 22. A training device for training one or more users to improve swing speed of a piece of sporting equipment, the training device comprising: an adjustable cuff adapted for removably securing around an outer circumference of the piece of sporting equipment, wherein the adjustable cuff comprises an inner surface that increases frictional forces between the adjustable cuff and the piece of sporting equipment to reduce axial movement of the adjustable cuff, and wherein the adjustable cuff comprises an outer surface having a first portion of a fastener disposed thereon; and a tensionable member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a second portion of the fastener disposed thereon and adapted for removably securing to the first portion of the fastener, wherein the second end comprises an attachment member for securing to a fixed object, wherein the tensionable member provides a tension to the piece of sporting equipment when extended, and wherein the fixed object comprises dimensions adapted to enable a stroke of the piece of sporting equipment to be executed in the direction of the tension provided by the tensionable member.
 23. The training device of claim 22, wherein the first portion of the fastener comprises a plurality of loops, and wherein the second portion of the fastener comprises a plurality of hooks adapted to engage the plurality of loops.
 24. The training device of claim 22, wherein the first end of the tensionable member comprises two straps having the second portion of the fastener disposed thereon, wherein each strap has a length that encircles the outer surface of the adjustable cuff. 